Dismemberment of Democracy in Nigeria Under Tinubu’s Administration
President Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria is accused of undermining democracy through electoral failures, nepotism, and consolidation of power, revealing a troubling shift towards autocracy. As the 2027 elections near, there are growing concerns about the establishment of a one-party state, prompting calls for vigilance among citizens to protect their democratic rights.
Democracy, at its core, promotes equal opportunity for every citizen, grounded in accountability and respect for the law. In Nigeria, however, the last two years under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership seem to show a stark departure from these principles. This deviation, critics argue, is manifesting as a widespread failure across various facets of governance, namely in security, economic stability, and effective administration.
One major concern has been the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Established to regulate voter engagement and election integrity, INEC has fallen short. According to reports, since the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015, the commission has only managed to issue Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to about 30 percent of applicants, leaving millions without the chance to vote.
Then there’s the issue of nepotism. The government’s Federal Character principle was intended to ensure fair representation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. However, Tinubu has largely ignored this framework, favoring appointments that predominantly serve his Yoruba ethnic background, and rewarding close associates. Even military and security personnel selections have been criticized for lacking in fairness and merit.
A notable instance of this nepotism came to light with the Lagos-to-Calabar Coastal Road project. Tinubu awarded a staggering $700 billion contract without the usual legislative oversight or a bidding process, handing it to Chagoury, a businessman with whom he is believed to have close ties. This raises further questions about transparency and accountability in governance.
Another fundamental concern is Tinubu’s apparent disregard for the separation of powers, a crucial element in a balanced democracy. He has allegedly taken steps to accumulate power, undermining the roles of the judiciary and legislature, essentially running the executive branch with little to no checks from these other branches. It’s as if he is consolidating control, effectively silencing dissent within his own party.
The political landscape seems bleak for opposition parties as well. Tinubu’s campaign against the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and smaller parties like the Labour Party, highlights a push to establish the APC as the sole political force in Nigeria. Reports suggest that he has deployed agents to infiltrate and neutralize rival parties, fueling fears of a single-party state.
Critics argue that this rising autocracy extends beyond political maneuvering to a broader intolerance for dissenting voices. Tinubu’s government has cracked down on civil society organizations, journalists, and anyone voicing criticism. This trend escalated in May 2025, when he declared himself the sole candidate for the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections without prompting a democratic selection process within the party, seen as yet another blatant act against democratic values.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, many observers worry about Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to eliminate political opposition. His goal appears to focus on establishing the APC as not just dominant, but the only party capable of contesting elections. It is crucial, they argue, for citizens and stakeholders to vigorously defend their democratic rights and ensure that their voices are heard in political discourse, regardless of the growing authoritarian tendencies.
Pearse, PhD, is a public affairs analyst, Convener of Reset Lagos PDP, and member of the Board of Governors at the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI).
The current administration under President Tinubu demonstrates a troubling trend away from democratic principles in Nigeria. With critical failures in electoral integrity, nepotism in appointments, and a dangerous disregard for the separation of powers, the country’s political landscape appears to be shifting towards a one-party state. Citizens must remain vigilant and actively resist these moves to safeguard their right to vote and express political choice as the 2027 elections approach.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
